Method, apparatus, and program for automated property adjustment in a cellular network

ABSTRACT

A mechanism is provided for detecting when a wireless device is entering a quiet zone. An out-of-range condition is created in an entryway to a quiet zone. When a wireless device is in a transition zone, the device transmits a re-scan message with a unit identification in an attempt to reestablish communication with the communication tower. A re-scan receiver is provided in the entryway to receive re-scan messages and notify a mobile telephone switching office that the device is entering a quiet zone. The switching office then sends a ring type modifier property to the device when the device leaves the transition zone and reestablishes communications with the communication tower.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to wireless devices and, in particular, towireless devices in a cellular network. Still more particularly, thepresent invention provides a method, apparatus, and program foradjusting properties of a wireless device in a cellular network.

2. Description of Related Art

Wireless devices, and in particular cellular telephones, can be anintrusion in certain situations. More specifically, there are manysituations or locations in which an audible ring is inappropriate. Forexample, an audible wireless telephone ring may be quite a distractionduring a wedding, a movie, a concert, a lecture, or a conference.

Typically, an individual would turn the telephone off or switch the ringto a silent mode, such as a vibrating ring. However, this method isflawed because the individual may easily forget to turn off or silencethe wireless telephone.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism forautomatically change the properties of a wireless device when entering aquiet zone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mechanism for detecting when a wirelessdevice is entering a quiet zone. An out-of-range condition is created inan entryway to a quiet zone. This condition may be created by shieldingthe entryway to prevent the wireless device from communicating with thecellular communication tower. Alternatively, a short-range signal jammermay be provided in the entryway or a combination of a shielded entrywaywith a short-range signal jammer may be used. When the wireless deviceis in the transition zone, the device transmits a re-scan message with aunit identification in an attempt to reestablish communication with thecommunication tower. A re-scan receiver is provided in the entryway toreceive re-scan messages and notify a mobile telephone switching officethat the device is entering a quiet zone. The switching office thensends a ring type modifier property to the device when the device leavesthe transition zone and reestablishes communications with thecommunication tower. The ring type modifier may set the wireless deviceinto a silent mode, such as a vibrating ringer. Alternatively, thewireless device may be setup to forward calls to voice mail. A quietmode time-out duration may be set as the user enters quiet zones thathave multiple exits allowing a user to leave the zone without passing are-scan receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbest be understood by reference to the following detailed description ofan illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a pictorial representation of a property adjustmentsystem in a cellular network in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams depicting wireless devices traversing zonesin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a wireless telephone device that may be usedin a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of a signal jammer in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram of a re-scan receiver in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of a wireless device inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of a re-scan receiver inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a mobile telephoneswitching office in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a pictorialrepresentation of a property adjustment system in a cellular network inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Property adjustment system 100 is a network of devices in which thepresent invention may be implemented. Property adjustment system 100contains telephone network 110 and communications network 120, which arethe media used to provide communications links between various devicesand computers connected together within property adjustment system 100.Telephone network 110 and communications network 120 may includeconnections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber opticcables.

In the depicted example, telephone network 110 is connected to cellularcommunications tower 116. The cellular communications tower communicateswith wireless devices, such as wireless telephones 112, 114. Transitionzone 104 is formed using a signal weakening mechanism, such as shielding108, short-range signal jammer 102, or a combination of the two. Asshown in FIG. 1, wireless device 112 is within the transition zone.Therefore, the signal between wireless device 112 and cellularcommunications tower 116 may be weakened or blocked by the signalweakening mechanism. When wireless device 112 is in the transition zone,the device re-scans channels by transmitting a re-scan message with aunit identification (ID) in an attempt to reestablish communication withthe communication tower.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal isweakened to the point that the device will attempt a re-scan to find achannel with a stronger signal. However, if a person is carrying on aconversation, the signal may be sufficient to maintain the conversation.The short-range signal jammer may also weaken all channels except forthe channels to which the re-scan device listens.

Re-scan receiver 106 is provided in the entryway to receive re-scanmessages. Receiver 106 then notifies mobile telephone switching office(MTSO) computer 118 that the device is entering a quiet zone. Thereceiver may accomplish this notification by sending a zone changemessage including the unit ID, a zone ID, and/or one or more predefinedproperties for the zone. In this example, the receiver initiates a quietmode for the device. The next time wireless telephone 112 establishescommunication with tower 116, the MTSO may modify the properties of thedevice. For example, the MTSO may send a ring type modifier (RTM)message to the wireless device. Preferably, the properties may beadjusted the next time a call comes for the wireless device. In otherwords, an RTM message may be sent with each call, the RTM depending uponthe zone properties.

Receiver 106 may communicate with the MTSO through a communicationsnetwork, such as network 120. Alternatively, the receiver maycommunicate with the MTSO computer by other means, such as through adial-up connection (not shown). The receiver may communicate with aplurality of MTSOs for different wireless communications companies.However, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thereceiver sends a zone change message to a central third-party service122, which has handles communication of zone change messages to variousMTSOs. For example, third-party service computer 122 may receive zonechange messages via network 120 or by other means, such as directdial-up connections (not shown). Similarly, third-party service 122 mayforward zone change messages to various MTSOs via network 120 or byother means.

The wireless device is programmed to receive an RTM message and adjustproperties accordingly. For example, wireless telephone 112 may receivean RTM message that modifies the ring to “vibrate” mode. In response tothis message, the wireless device will set the ring properties for allcalls to “vibrate.” Therefore, the user may receive calls withoutdisturbing neighboring people.

As stated above, the RTM is preferably set on a call-by-call basis.Therefore, if an emergency call is received at the MTSO, the MTSO mayadjust the ring type to an audible ring for the emergency call to ensurethat the user receives the call. If the wireless device is not capableof adjusting properties responsive to an RTM message, the MTSO may routeall calls to the user's voice mail while the device is in a quiet zone.

When a user leaves a quiet zone, the user may exit through the sameentryway or transition zone. Thus, when wireless telephone 112 enterstransition zone 104 at the end of an event, such as a conference ormovie, receiver 106 may be programmed to send a zone change message toMTSO to return the device to a set of default properties. The receivermay be programmed to send the appropriate zone change message by aswitch or the like. Alternatively, the receiver may be programmed by aremote device through, for example, communications network 120.

A quiet mode time-out duration may be set in the MTSO as the user entersa quiet zone. Therefore, if the user leaves the quiet zone withoutpassing the re-scan receiver, the MTSO may return the device to thedefault properties when the time-out duration expires.

Property adjustment system 100 may include additional servers, clients,and other devices not shown. In the depicted example, propertyadjustment system 100 is implemented within the Internet with network120 representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways thatuse the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suiteof protocols to communicate with one another. At the heart of theInternet is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines betweenmajor nodes or host computers, consisting of thousands of commercial,government, educational and other computer systems that route data andmessages. Of course, property adjustment system 100 also may beimplemented using a number of different types of networks, such as forexample, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network(WAN). FIG. 1 is intended as an example, and not as an architecturallimitation for the present invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, diagrams depicting wirelessdevices traversing zones are shown in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2A, wireless device 232travels from default zone 220, through transition zone 210, to quietzone 230. Transition zone 210 is established by signal weakeningmechanism 212, which may be, for example, a shielded entryway, a signaljammer, or a combination of the two. Wireless device 222 travels fromquiet zone 230, through transition zone 210, to default zone 220.

Receiver 214 receives re-scan messages from wireless devices. However,as shown in FIG. 2A, wireless devices may be traveling in eitherdirection. If the owner of a wireless device enters the transition zonefrom the default zone, turns around, and exits back into the defaultzone, the receiver may still send a zone change message to the MTSO.

FIG. 2B shows a transition zone with two directional receivers, re-scanreceiver 252 and re-scan receiver 254. Re-scan receiver 252 receivesre-scan messages as wireless device 222 exits transition zone 210 intothe default zone. Re-scan receiver 254 receives re-scan messages aswireless device 232 exits transition zone 210 into the quiet zone.

The MTSO may receive zone change messages from each receiver as awireless device passes each receiver. The MTSO may then process thelater of the two zone change messages. Alternatively, directionalreceivers 252, 254 may be connected to a controller that coordinates there-scan messages and sends the appropriate zone change message to theMTSO. Thus, if re-scan messages for a device are received by receiver252 and then receiver 254, controller 256 may determine that thewireless device is entering the quiet zone. On the other hand, ifre-scan messages are received by receiver 254 and then receiver 252,controller 256 may determine that the wireless device is entering thedefault zone.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a wireless telephone device that may be usedin a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Turning now to FIG.3A, a wireless telephone device 300 is shown in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Wireless telephone 300includes speaker 302, microphone 304, display 306, and keypad 316.Wireless telephone 300 also includes antenna 320 for communication withthe nearest base station. Wireless telephone 300 may include otherfeatures common to mobile telephones, such as function buttons, cursorcontrol buttons, scroll wheels, and caller ID.

With reference now to FIG. 3B, a block diagram of a hardwareconfiguration of a telephone device is depicted in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Telephone device 350includes a processor 352 for controlling operation of the telephonedevice and a memory 354. The processor may be a general-purposemicroprocessor operating under the control of instructions stored amemory, such as memory 354, or device-specific circuitry for controllingthe operation of the telephone device. Processor 352 is connected bysystem bus 356 to transmitter 358, receiver 360, keypad 364, display366, and audio processor 368. Keypad 364 may be keypad 318 in FIG. 3A.Display 366 may be display 306 in FIG. 3A. Display 366 may be a liquidcrystal display (LCD) or other known display, such as an active matrixdisplay.

Transmitter 358 and receiver 360 are coupled to a telephone signal bycouple 374 to provide full duplex communication. In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the telephone signal is provided byan antenna, such as antenna 320 in FIG. 3A, in a wireless telephone.Audio processing circuit 368 provides basic analog audio outputs tospeaker 370 and accepts analog audio inputs from microphone 372.Received signals are demodulated and decoded by receiver 360.Transmitter 358 encodes and modulates signals passed to it by processor352 or audio processor 368. The output of the transmitter is amplifiedby power amplifier 362 to control the power level at which the signal istransmitted.

Processor 352 is programmed to send a re-scan when a signal from acommunications tower or base station is lost. Processor 352 is alsoprogrammed to receive a RTM message and adjust ring type or otherproperties in accordance with the RTM message. As stated above, a RTMmessage may be received when a communication session with a tower orbase station is reestablished or when a call is received.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwaredepicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B may vary. For example, telephone device 300may include a vibrating mechanism to generate a vibration pattern as aring. Telephone device 350 may also be configured to communicate otherinformation, such as World Wide Web content, and display such content ondisplay 366. The telephone device may also provide other functions, suchas calender/scheduling, word processing, e-mail, and games.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of a signal jammer in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Signal jammer 400includes controller 402, communications adapter 404, antenna adapter406, and signal jamming module 408. The elements 402–408 may beimplemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware andsoftware. In a preferred embodiment, the elements 404–408 areimplemented as software instructions executed by one or more processors.

The elements 402–408 are coupled to one another via the control/datasignal bus 420. Although a bus architecture is shown in FIG. 4, thepresent invention is not limited to such. Rather, any architecture thatfacilitates the communication of control/data signals between elements402–408 may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The controller 402 controls the overall operation ofthe signal jammer and orchestrates the operation of the other elements404–408.

With the operation of the present invention, signal jamming module 408instructs controller 402 to transmit a signal via antenna adapter 406 todisrupt or jam communications between wireless devices and theirrespective cellular communications towers and/or base stations.Controller 402 may also operate under the control of another device byreceiving instructions or messages through communications adapter 404,which may be, for example, a network adapter, a modem, a serial port, orthe like.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram of a re-scan receiver in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Re-scan receiver500 includes controller 502, communications adapter 504, antenna adapter506, and property adjustment module 508. The elements 502–508 may beimplemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware andsoftware. In a preferred embodiment, the elements 504–508 areimplemented as software instructions executed by one or more processors.

The elements 502–508 are coupled to one another via the control/datasignal bus 520. Although a bus architecture is shown in FIG. 5, thepresent invention is not limited to such. Rather, any architecture thatfacilitates the communication of control/data signals between elements502–508 may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The controller 502 controls the overall operation ofthe re-scan receiver and orchestrates the operation of the otherelements 504–508.

With the operation of the present invention, property adjustment module508 instructs controller 502 to detect re-scan signals or messages viaantenna adapter 506 and to generate a zone change message for a wirelessdevice identified in the re-scan message. Property adjustment module 508then instructs controller 502 to send the re-scan message to an MTSO orthird-party service via communications adapter 504, which may be, forexample, a network adapter, a modem, a serial port, or the like.

Controller 502 may also operate under the control of another device byreceiving instructions or messages through communications adapter 504.For example, the re-scan receiver may be instructed to generate zonechange messages for a quiet zone before an event and then for a defaultzone at the end of the event. Zone properties may be set by an externaldevice through communications adapter 504.

With reference to FIG. 6, a flowchart of the operation of a wirelessdevice is illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The process begins and a determination is made as towhether an exit condition exists (step 602). An exit condition mayexist, for example, if the wireless device is powered down. If an exitcondition exists, the process ends.

If an exit condition does not exist in step 602, a determination is madeas to whether an incoming call is received (step 604). If an incomingcall is received, the process receives a ring type modifier message(step 606) and sets the properties in accordance with the ring typemodifier message (step 608). Next, a determination is made as to whethera signal is established between the wireless device and a communicationstower or base station (step 610). If an incoming call is not received instep 604, the process proceeds to step 610 to determine whether a signalis established between the wireless device and a communications tower orbase station.

A separate ring type modifier message may be associated with eachindividual call. Therefore, an emergency call may be associated with aring type modifier message that sets the ring type to an audible ring.Thus, steps 606 and 608 may be performed for each call received while ina quiet zone. In an alternative embodiment, the ring type modifiermessage may be received in step 606 when the wireless devicereestablishes a signal with the tower or base station.

If a signal is established in step 610, the process returns to step 602to determine whether an exit condition exists. If the signal is lost instep 610, the process sends a re-scan message (step 612) in an attemptto reestablish communication with the tower or base station.

Next, a determination is made as to whether an exit condition exists(step 614). If an exit condition exists, the process ends. If, however,an exit condition does not exist in step 614, a determination is made asto whether a signal is established between the wireless device and acommunications tower or base station (step 616). If a signal is not yetreestablished, the process returns to step 612 to send a re-scan messagein an attempt to reestablish communication with the tower or basestation. If a signal is reestablished in step 616, the process returnsto step 602 to determine whether an exit condition exists.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of the operation of a re-scanreceiver is illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The process begins and a determination is made as towhether an exit condition exists (step 702). An exit condition mayexist, for example, if the re-scan receiver is powered down. If an exitcondition exists, the process ends.

If an exit condition does not exist in step 702, a determination is madeas to whether a re-scan message is received (step 704). If a re-scanmessage is received, the process sends a zone change message, with aunit ID from the re-scan message, to a server, such as the mobiletelephone switching office server or a server associated with athird-party service (step 706). Thereafter, the process returns to step702 to determine whether an exit condition exists. If a re-scan messageis not received in step 704, the process returns to step 702 todetermine whether an exit condition exists.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a flowchart illustrating the operation of amobile telephone switching office is shown in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. The process begins andreceives a zone change message with a unit ID (step 802). Adetermination is made as to whether the wireless device associated withthe unit ID is enabled for ring type modifiers (step 804).

If the wireless device is not RTM enabled, the process begins forwardingcalls for the device to voice mail (step 806). If the wireless device isRTM enabled in step 804, the process determines a ring type modifierbased on the user ID and/or the zone the device is entering (step 808).A determination is made as to whether the RTM is set to forward calls tovoice mail (step 810).

Certain zones may be configured such that the RTM is set to voice mailfor the zone. For example, an employer may wish to ensure that allemployees attending a conference or meeting pay attention rather thananswering telephone calls, even if the ring type is set to “vibrate”mode. In such a case the receiver in the entryway may be programmed tosend a zone change message that indicates that the RTM should be set tovoice mail.

If the RTM is set to forward calls to voice mail, the operation proceedsto step 806 to forward calls to voice mail. If the RTM is not set toforward calls to voice mail in step 810, a determination is made as towhether the device is in the quiet zone (step 812). In other words, theprocess determines whether the device has left the shielded entryway andreestablished communications with the communications tower or basestation.

If the device is not yet in the quiet zone, the process returns to step812 to repeat this determination. If, however, the device has enteredthe quiet zone, the process sends an RTM message to the device (step812). The RTM message may be sent when the wireless device reestablishesa signal with the tower or base station. Alternatively, the ring typemodifier message may be associated with an individual call. Therefore,an emergency call may be associated with a ring type modifier messagethat sets the ring type to an audible ring. Thus, step 814 may beperformed for each call received while in a quiet zone.

After the process has begun forwarding calls to voice mail in step 806or the RTM message is sent to the wireless device in step 814, theprocess starts a timer (step 816). If the device leaves the quiet zonewithout passing a re-scan receiver, the process may return the device tothe default properties when the time-out duration expires.

Next, a determination is made as to whether the device enters a defaultzone (step 818). This may be determined by a subsequent zone changemessage from the re-scan receiver or by receiving a zone change messagefrom a directional re-scan receiver that indicates the device is leavinga quiet zone and entering a default zone. If the process determines thatthe device has entered a default zone, the process returns the device tothe default ring type with a RTM message (step 820). Then, the processends.

If the process determines that the device has not entered a default zonein step 818, a determination is made as to whether the timer is expired(step 822). If the timer is not expired, the process returns to step 818to determine whether the device has entered a default zone. If, however,the timer is expired in step 822, operation proceeds to step 820 toreturn the device to the default ring type and the process ends.

Thus, the present invention solves the disadvantages of the prior art byproviding a mechanism for automatically adjusting the properties of awireless device as the device enters a predetermined quiet zone. Anentryway is configured to block the signal to the wireless device, thuscreating a transition zone within the entryway. Responsive to a re-scanmessage, a receiver within the transition zone sends a zone changemessage to a mobile telephone switching office. The mobile telephoneswitching office may then adjust a ring type modifier or other propertyfor the wireless device when communications with the device arereestablished.

It is important to note that while the present invention has beendescribed in the context of a fully functioning data processing system,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processes ofthe present invention are capable of being distributed in the form of acomputer readable medium of instructions and a variety of forms and thatthe present invention applies equally regardless of the particular typeof signal bearing media actually used to carry out the distribution.Examples of computer readable media include recordable-type media, suchas a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a RAM, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, andtransmission-type media, such as digital and analog communicationslinks, wired or wireless communications links using transmission forms,such as, for example, radio frequency and light wave transmissions. Thecomputer readable media may take the form of coded formats that aredecoded for actual use in a particular data processing system.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention, the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A method for adjusting properties of a wireless device, comprising:responsive to a wireless device entering a controlled area, causing thewireless device to emit a re-scan signal; identifying a deviceidentifier from the re-scan signal; sending a zone change messageincluding the device identifier to a computer, wherein the zone changemessage indicates that the wireless device is entering a zone;establishing communication with unrestricted power between the wirelessdevice in the zone and a location outside the zone; and adjusting thering type of the wireless device in accordance with a requirementcorresponding to the zone.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the zonechange message includes a zone identifier.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the zone change message includes a property for the zone.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the property is a ring type.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the computer is located at one of a mobile telephoneswitching office and a third-party service.
 6. A method for adjusting aproperty of a wireless device, comprising: responsive to a wirelessdevice entering a controlled area causing the wireless device to emit are-scan signal, receiving a zone change message including a deviceidentifier; determining a property for the wireless device based on thezone change message; sending to the wireless device a property modifierfor changing the property of the device; and establishing unrestrictedcommunication between the wireless device in the controlled area and alocation outside the controlled area.
 7. The method of claim 6, whereinthe zone change message includes a zone identifier and wherein the stepof determining a property includes determining the property based on thezone identifier.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the zone changemessage includes a property for the zone.
 9. The method of claim 6,wherein the step of sending to the device a property modifier includes:receiving a call for the wireless device; determining a propertymodifier for the call; associating the property modifier with the call;and directing the call to wireless device.
 10. A re-scan receiver, in acontrolled area, for adjusting properties of a wireless device,comprising: means for receiving a re-scan signal from a wireless deviceresponsive to the wireless device emitting the re-scan signal whenentering the controlled area; means for identifying a device identifierfrom the re-scan signal; means for sending a zone change messageincluding the device identifier to a computer, wherein the zone changemessage indicates that the wireless device is entering a zone; and meansfor establishing unrestricted communication between the wireless devicein the zone area and a location outside the zone.
 11. The re-scanreceiver of claim 10, wherein the zone change message includes a zoneidentifier.
 12. The re-scan receiver of claim 10, wherein the zonechange message includes a property for the zone.
 13. The re-scanreceiver of claim 12, wherein the property is a ring type.
 14. Anapparatus for adjusting a property of a wireless device, comprising:receipt means, responsive to a wireless device entering a controlledarea causing the wireless device to emit a re-scan signal, for receivinga zone change message including a device identifier, wherein the receiptmeans comprises a first directional re-scan receiver that receivesre-scan signals from a first direction, and a second directional re-scanreceiver that receives re-scan signals from a second direction;determination means for determining a property for the wireless devicebased on the zone change message; and sending means for sending to thewireless device a property modifier for changing the property of thewireless device.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the zone changemessage includes a zone identifier and wherein the determination meansincludes means for determining the property based on the zoneidentifier.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the zone changemessage includes a property for the zone.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the sending means includes: means for receiving a call for thewireless device; means for determining a property modifier for the call;means for associating the property modifier with the call; and means fordirecting the call to wireless device.
 18. A property adjustment system,comprising: a signal weakening mechanism, wherein the signal weakeningmechanism weakens cellular communications signals in a transition zone,causing a wireless device to emit a re-scan signal; a re-scan receiverlocated in the transition zone, wherein the re-scan receiver sends azone change message in response to receiving the re-scan signal, whereinthe re-scan receiver is a first directional re-scan receiver thatreceives re-scan signals from a first direction, and the propertyadjustment system further comprises a second directional re-scanreceiver that receives re-scan signals from a second direction, andwherein the zone change message includes a device identifier; and acomputer, wherein the computer sends a property modifier to the wirelessdevice responsive to receiving the zone change message.
 19. The propertyadjustment system of claim 18, wherein the signal weakening mechanism isone of shielding and a short-range signal jammer.
 20. The propertyadjustment system of claim 18, wherein the computer is located at one ofa mobile telephone switching office and a third-party service.
 21. Acomputer program product encoded in a computer readable medium, foradjusting a property of a wireless device, comprising: instructions forreceiving a zone change message including a device identifier,responsive to a wireless device entering a controlled area causing thewireless device to emit a re-scan signal; instructions for determining aproperty for the wireless device based on the zone change message;instructions for sending to the wireless device a property modifier forchanging the property of the wireless device; and instructions forestablishing unrestricted communication between the wireless device inthe controlled area and a location outside the controlled area.